Hydraulic marine propulsion and guidance system

ABSTRACT

A hydraulic propulsion and guidance system for a marine vessel consisting of a fluid pressure generating system and a helm pressure generating unit located within the vessel, a tilting fluid actuator mounted to the transom of the vessel, a lift clevis operatively connected to the shaft of the tilting actuator, a rotary fluid actuator mounted within the lift clevis, a steering clevis operatively connected to the shaft of the rotary fluid actuator, a fluid motor-propeller assembly secured to the steering clevis, an additional fluid pump located within the vessel and fluid conduit operatively connecting same to the tilting actuator such that as the pump is operated the shaft of the tilting actuator rotates the lift clevis in turn tilting the fluid motor-propeller assembly, further fluid conduit operatively connecting the helm pressure generating unit and the rotary actuator such that as the helm pressure generating unit is operated the shaft of the rotary actuator rotates the steering clevis and the fluid motor-propeller assembly, the fluid conduit including single passage oscillating swivels mounted to the transom along a common axis defining the center of rotation of the lift clevis, still further fluid conduit connecting the fluid pressure generating system and the fluid motor including a multiple passage oscillating swivel operatively mounted to the steering clevis and aligned with respect to the axis of rotation of the steering clevis, the aforementioned swivels permitting the use of rigid fluid connections throughout.

United States Patent [191 Buddrus A 1 Nov. 12,1974

1 HYDRAULIC MARINE PROPULSION AND GUIDANCE SYSTEM Curt Buddrus, 2522 Hoyes St., Muskogee, Okla 74401 [22] Filed: Feb. 16, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 333,301

[76] Inventor:

[52] U.S. Cl 115/35, 114/144 R, 285/131,

285/137 R [51] Int. Cl B63h 25/42 [58] Field of Search..... 115/34 A, 34 R, 35, 41 HT, 115/12 A, 18 R; 114/144-R, 144 A; 285/131, 132,182,190, 137 R Primary Examiner-Trygve M. Blix Assistant ExaminerEdward R. Kazenske Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Staas, Halsey & Gable [57] ABSTRACT A hydraulic propulsion and guidance system for a marine vessel consisting of a fluid pressure generating system and a helm pressure generating unit located within the vessel, a tilting fluid actuator mounted to the transom of the vessel, a lift clevis operatively connected to the shaft of the tilting actuator, a rotary fluid actuator mounted within the lift clevis, a steering clevis operatively connected to the shaft of the rotary fluid actuator, a fluid motor-propeller assembly secured to the steering clevis, an additional fluid pump located within the vessel and fluid conduit operatively connecting same to the tilting actuator such that as the pump is operated the shaft of the tilting actuator rotates the lift clevis in turn tilting the fluid motorpropeller assembly, further fluid conduit operatively connecting the helm pressure generating unit and the rotary actuator such that as the helm pressure generating unit is operated the shaft of the rotary actuator rotates the steering clevis and the fluid motor-propeller assembly, the fluid conduit including single passage oscillating swivels mounted-to the transom along a common axis defining the center of rotation of the lift clevis, still further fluid conduit connecting the fluid pressure generating system and the fluid motor including a multiple passage oscillating swivel operatively mounted to the steering clevis and aligned. with respect to the axis of rotation of the steering clevis, the aforementioned swivels permitting the use of rigid fluid connections throughout.

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HYDRAULIC MARINE PROPULSION AND GUIDANCE SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In US. Pat. No. 3,587,511 there is disclosed a hydraulic marine propulsion system featuring an inboard power plant operatively connected to a fluid pressure generating system and an outboard fluid driving system. The inboard pressure generating system disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,587,511 is a reversible variable displacement axial piston pump provided with a leveroperated servosystem, appropriate speed control, charge pump and valve manifold units. The outboard fluid-driving system consists of a fixed displacement axial piston fluid motor and propeller.

In US. Pat. No. 3,596,626 there is disclosed a steering and tilting system applicable for use with a basic hydraulic propulsion system of U.S. Pat. No. 3,587,511, the steering and tilting system featuring the use of hydraulic actuators. Specifically, the steering system disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,596,626 consists of two selfcontained units comprising a helm pressure generating assembly positioned as desired within the vessel and a hydraulic rotary actuator assembly suitably mounted to the vessel guidance system. The tilting system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,587,511 likewise consists of two selfcontained units comprising a first motor driven hydraulic pump positioned as desired within'the vessel and a second hydraulic actuator assembly suitably mounted to the underwater propulsion system.

Development of the hydraulic marine propulsion system disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,587,511 and the steering tilting system disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,596,626 has demonstrated the desirability of rigid fluid conduits connecting the equipment within the vessel to the outdrive unit.

The use of non-rigid conduits is impractical. Such flexible conduits, being subject to fatigue, have limited use in connecting the components ofhydraulic motors wherein the high pressure fluid flow frequently reaches 5,000 psi. There are significant pressure losses in conventional rubber conduits and resistance against bending eventually occurs. It is further apparent that salt water deteriorates most flexible materials. In general it may be said that rigid fluid connections are essential to the successful commercialization of high pressure fluid marine propulsion-guidance systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention in its broader sense relates to an entire hydraulic propulsion and guidance system for marine vessels. The system disclosed herein includes as an essential component both single passage and multiple passage oscillating swivels appropriately mounted to the transom of the vessel and the steering clevis permitting the inboard pressure generating system and the outdrive fluid motor to be connected by rigid elements. In like manner, the fluid conduits operatively connecting the helm pressure generating unit and the steering system and the pumping system and the tilting mechanism are also rigid. Thus, an overall hydraulic marine propulsion .and guidance system capable of practical commercial application is achieved with the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 isa top view illustrating the basic fluid pressure generating system located within the vessel and the fluid conduits leading to the transom of the vessel;

FIG. 2 is a side view partly in section illustrating the helm pressure generating unit of the steering system and the double-lock valve system associated therewith;

FIG. 3 is a side view partly in section illustrating the basic fluid pressure generating system within the vessel, the pump for operating an actuator for tilting the outdrive unit (not shown) and certain of the fluid lines running through the transom;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the transom of the vessel and the outdrive unit, illustrating in particular the fluid connections and swivel assemblies connecting the inboard pressure generating system with the outdrive unit, the helm pressure generating unit with the hydraulic actuator for steering and the pump with the hydraulic actuator for tilting;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view illustrating the transom of the vessel and the outdrive unit, illustrating in particular the lift clevis, the steering clevis, the fluid connections and swivel assemblies;

FIG. 6'is a cross sectional view of one of the single oscillating swivels permitting the transfer-of high pressure fluid through rigid connections;

'FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 7-7 of FIG. 6 illustrating in particular oscillation of 45 on either side of the slotted inlet portion of the core member;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the dual passage swivel taken along line 88 of FIG. 9 through which pass the fluids connecting the inboard pressure generating system and the outdrive unit;

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the dual passage swivel; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the dual passage swivel and fluid connections extending therefrom.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In FIGS. 1 and 3, the reference numeral 10 designates generally a marine vessel terminating in transom 12. Within the vessel 10 is appropriately mounted a fluid pressure generating system 14 such as disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,587,511, incorporated herein by reference, which may be a reversible variable displacement axial piston pump provided with an input shaft 16, flywheel not shown and servo cylinders 20. Appropriate fluid connections, designated generally by reference numeral 22, connect the pump 14, the high pressure manifold valve assembly 24 and the check' valves 26. Finally, the reference numeral 28 designates the main fluid circuit lines leading to and through the transom, eventually to the outdrive unit as explained in detail hereinafter. I

Turning now to FIG. 2, the reference numeral 30 designates generally the inboard helm pressure generating No. 3,596,626, incorporated herein. As will be further apparent from FIGS. 1 2, the fluid lines 44 lead to and pass through the transom 12 of the vessel 10.

The reference numeral 46 designates an electric pump of conventional design mounted within the vessel and provided with fluid lines 48 leading to and passin through the transom 12 of the vessel 10.

Turning now to FIGS. 4 5, the reference numeral 50 designates the fluid motor, which as indicated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,587,5ll may be a fixed displacement axial piston fluid motor, to which the propeller 52 is attached.

' Mounted to the outside of the transom 12 is the tilting actuator 54. The construction and operation of the hydraulic rotary actuator 54 is disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,596,626 and consists generally of a cylinder within which are mounted pistons each being integral 108 connect the passages 96 within the core 94 of the swivel 92 with thefluid motor 50. In similar manner,

the fluid conduits 100 connect the openings within the rotating sleeve 98 with the swivels 72'. These connecwith a rack engaging a pinion through which the shaft 56 is mounted. I

The shaft 56 of the tilting actuator 54 is keyed to the lift clevis 58. Mounted within the lift clevis 58 is the steering actuator 60, also a hydraulic rotary actuator as disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,596,626. The reference numeral 62 designates the steering clevis which is formed as a part of the outdrive assembly. The shaft 64 is keyed to the steering clevis 62 and is rotated by the. steering actuator 60.

The reference numeral 66' designates an adjusting screw for changing the angle of the cavitation plate 68.

The fluid lines 28, 29, 44 and 48 pass through the transom l2 and emerge via the conduits 28, 29', 44' and 48', as illustrated in FIG. 4. Spaced outwardly from the transom 12 and supported from struts 70 are a series of single passage limited rotational swivels designated generally by the reference numeral 72.

The construction of the swivels 72 is illustrated in FIGS. 6 7 wherein it will be apparent that the reference numeral 74 designates a stationary core connected to the conduits 28', 29', 44', 48'. The center line 78 of each core 74 coincides with the axis of the shaft 56 of the tilting actuator 54. Mounted for rotation about each core 74 is a sleeve 80 provided with an inlet port 82. The sleeve 80 is permitted to oscillate 45 to either side of the center of the inlet port 84 of the core, 74, as illustrated in FIG. 7. A fiber thrust and space washer 86 is positioned between the core 74 and the sleeve 80 while leakage of oil is prevented by the seals 90, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The reference numeral 70 designates an adjustable brace for connecting thecore 74 to the transom while an adjustable spacer 76 is provided to hold theswivel center line parallel to the tilt axis. 7

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 5, a multiple passage swivel designated by the reference numeral92 is used to transmit fluid between the fluid motor 50 and the swivels 72' in such a manner that the steering clevis62 may be freely rotated.

The construction of the swivel 92 is illustrated in FIGS. 8 10 wherein it will be apparent that the reference numeral 94 designates a rotatably mounted core provided with two separate passages 96. The centerline 99 of the core 94 coincides with the axis of the shaft 64.

. Mounted about the core 94 is the outer sleeve 98 provided with rigid fluid conduits 100. Oil seals 102, a fiber thrust washer 104 and a snap ring 106 are emtions are further illustrated in FIGS. 4 5. As will be further apparent from FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, the freeflow fluid line 29 directly connects the fluid pressure generating system 14 and the fluid motor 50. In this direct connection, fluid passes through the swivel 72". conduit 108, the swivel 72" mounted above the steering. clevis 62 and in alignment with the shaft 64 and the conduit 110.

Finally, it is not necessary to employ either of the swivels 72 or 92 in connecting the pump 46 and tilting,

actuator 54 since the latter is rigidly secured to the transom 12, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

As will now be apparent, operation of the pump 46 causes the shaft 56 of the tilting actuator 54 to rotate in turn rotating the lift clevis 58 so as to tilt the fluid motor 50 and propeller 52. Movement of the helm wheel 38 operates radial piston pump 36 causing the steering actuator to rotate the shaft 64 in turn rotating the steering clevis 62 so as to turn the fluid motor 50 and propeller 52. During all times, the connection between the fluid pressure generating system 14 and the fluid motor 50 is maintained through the single passage swivels 72 and the dual passage swivel 92. Thus, all fluid connections are rigid avoiding the previously described disadvantages of employing flexible hydraulic lines.

I claim:

1. A hydraulic propulsion and guidance system'for a marine vessel having a transom, comprising: I

a fluid pressure generating system within the vessel;

a clevis, means mounting said clevis to the outside of the transom of the vessel and permitting said clevis to rotate in a generally vertical plane about a first axis;

a fluid motor carried by said clevis, means permitting said motor to rotate from side to side with respect to said clevis about'asecond axis;,

dual passage swivel means operatively mounted for movement along said second axis;

single passage swivel means operatively mounted for movement along said first axis; and

rigid fluid conduit means-operatively connecting said fluid motor to said dual passage swivel means, fluid conduit means operatively connecting said fluid pressure generating system to said single passage swivel means, and rigid fluid conduit means operatively connecting said single passage swivel means to said dual passage swivel'means.

2. A hydraulic propulsion and guidance system as in claim 1, wherein said second axis about which said fluid motor rotates is positioned at an acute angle with respect to vertical and slopes downwardly towards the vessel.

3. A'hydraulic propulsion and guidance system as in claim 1, including a helrn pressure generating system within the vessel, a first hydraulic actuator, means mounting said first actuator to said clevis to rotate said fluid motor with respect to said clevis about said second axis and fluid conduit means operatively connect ing said helm pressure generating system and said first hydraulic actuator.

4. A hydraulic propulsion and guidance system as in claim I, wherein said means permitting said clevis to rotate about said first axis includes a second hydraulic actuator mounted to the transom of the vessel and means operatively connecting said second hydraulic actuator to said clevis to rotate said clevis about said first axis; a pressure generating system; and fluid conduit means operatively connecting said pressure generating system and said second hydraulic actuator.

5. A hydraulic propulsion and guidance system for a marine vessel as in claim 1, wherein said dual passage swivel meanscomprises a core mounted for rotation about an axis coinciding with said second axis about which said fluid motor rotates, two passages provided within said core to which said rigid fluid conduit means are connected, a sleeve having two openings to which said fluid conduit means are connected, said core mounted within said sleeve and arranged to oscillate 90 therein.

6. A hydraulic propulsion and guidance system for a marine vessel as in claim 1, wherein said single passage swivel means comprises two swivels each of which comprises a stationary core having its axis coinciding with said first axis about which said clevis rotates, a passage provided within said core and terminating in an opening to'which one of said rigid fluid conduit means is connected, a sleeve mounted for rotation about said core, said sleeve provided with an opening to which the other of said rigid fluid conduit means is connected, said sleeve arranged to oscillate 45 on each side of said passage within said core.

7. In a hydraulic propulsion and guidance system for a marine vessel including a main fluid pressure generating system and a fluid motor operatively mounted to rotate about a first axis with respect toa clevis that is operatively mounted to the vessel to rotate about a second axis, the improvement comprising a hydraulic actuator mounted to rotate said fluid motor about said first axis, single passage swivel means operatively mounted for movement along said second axis, dual passage swivel means operatively mounted for movement along said first axis, said dual passage swivel means comprising a core'mounted for rotation about said first axis, two passages provided within said core,

a sleeve having two openings, said core mounted within.

means operatively mounted for movement along said second axis, rigid fluid conduit means operatively con necting said helm pressure generating system to said additional single passage swivel means, and rigid fluid conduit means operatively connecting said additional single passage swivel means to said hydraulic actuator.

9. A hydraulic propulsion and guidance system for a marine vessel having a transom, comprising:

a fluid pressure generating system within the vessel;

a clevis;

first actuator means mounted to the transom of the vessel and connected to said clevis supporting said clevis from the transom and permitting said clevis to rotate about a first axis;

a fluid motor;

a second actuator means mounted upon said clevis and operatively connected to said motor to rotate said motor with respect to said clevis about a second axis;

dual passage swivel means operatively mounted to said clevis and said fluid motor along said second axis; and

rigid fluid conduit means-operatively connecting said fluid motor to said dual passage swivel means, and fluid conduit means operatively connecting said fluidpressure generating system to said dual passage swivel means.

10. A hydraulic propulsion and guidance system as in claim 9, wherein said second axis about which said fluid motor rotates is positioned at an acute angle with respect to vertical and slopes downwardly towards the 

1. A hydraulic propulsion and guidance system for a marine vessel having a transom, comprising: a fluid pressure generating system within the vessel; a clevis, means mounting said clevis to the outside of the transom of the vessel and permitting said clevis to rotate in a generally vertical plane about a first axis; a fluid motor carried by said clevis, means permitting said motor to rotate from side to side with respect to said clevis about a second axis; dual passage swivel means operatively mounted for movement along said second axis; single passage swivel means operatively mounted for movement along said first axis; and rigid fluid conduit means operatively connecting said fluid motor to said dual passage swivel means, fluid conduit means operatively connecting said fluid pressure generating system to said single passage swivel means, and rigid fluid conduit means operatively connecting said single passage swivel means to said dual passage swivel means.
 2. A hydraulic propulsion and guidance system as in claim 1, wherein said second axis about which said fluid motor rotates is positioned at an acute angle with respect to vertical and slopes downwardly towards the vessel.
 3. A hydraulic propulsion and guidance system as in claim 1, including a helm pressure generating system within the vessel, a first hydraulic actuator, means mounting said first actuator to said clevis to rotate said fluid motor with respect to said clevis about said second axis and fluid conduit means operatively connecting said helm pressure generating system and said first hydraulic actuator.
 4. A hydraulic propulsion and guidance system as in claim 1, wherein said means permitting said clevis to rotate about said first axis includes a second hydraulic actuator mounted to the transom of the vessel and means operatively connecting said second hydraulic actuator to said clevis to rotate said clevis about said first axis; a pressure generating system; and fluid conduit means operatively connecting said pressure generating system and said second hydraulic actuator.
 5. A hydraulic pRopulsion and guidance system for a marine vessel as in claim 1, wherein said dual passage swivel means comprises a core mounted for rotation about an axis coinciding with said second axis about which said fluid motor rotates, two passages provided within said core to which said rigid fluid conduit means are connected, a sleeve having two openings to which said fluid conduit means are connected, said core mounted within said sleeve and arranged to oscillate 90* therein.
 6. A hydraulic propulsion and guidance system for a marine vessel as in claim 1, wherein said single passage swivel means comprises two swivels each of which comprises a stationary core having its axis coinciding with said first axis about which said clevis rotates, a passage provided within said core and terminating in an opening to which one of said rigid fluid conduit means is connected, a sleeve mounted for rotation about said core, said sleeve provided with an opening to which the other of said rigid fluid conduit means is connected, said sleeve arranged to oscillate 45* on each side of said passage within said core.
 7. In a hydraulic propulsion and guidance system for a marine vessel including a main fluid pressure generating system and a fluid motor operatively mounted to rotate about a first axis with respect to a clevis that is operatively mounted to the vessel to rotate about a second axis, the improvement comprising a hydraulic actuator mounted to rotate said fluid motor about said first axis, single passage swivel means operatively mounted for movement along said second axis, dual passage swivel means operatively mounted for movement along said first axis, said dual passage swivel means comprising a core mounted for rotation about said first axis, two passages provided within said core, a sleeve having two openings, said core mounted within said sleeve and arranged to oscillate 90* therein, rigid fluid conduit means operatively connecting said two passages provided within said core and said fluid motor, rigid fluid conduit means operatively connecting said two openings of said sleeve of said dual passage swivel means and to said single passage swivel means, and rigid fluid conduit means operatively connecting said single passage swivel means to said main fluid pressure generating system within the vessel.
 8. In a hydraulic propulsion and guidance system as in claim 7, including a helm pressure generating system within the vessel, additional single passage swivel means operatively mounted for movement along said second axis, rigid fluid conduit means operatively connecting said helm pressure generating system to said additional single passage swivel means, and rigid fluid conduit means operatively connecting said additional single passage swivel means to said hydraulic actuator.
 9. A hydraulic propulsion and guidance system for a marine vessel having a transom, comprising: a fluid pressure generating system within the vessel; a clevis; first actuator means mounted to the transom of the vessel and connected to said clevis supporting said clevis from the transom and permitting said clevis to rotate about a first axis; a fluid motor; a second actuator means mounted upon said clevis and operatively connected to said motor to rotate said motor with respect to said clevis about a second axis; dual passage swivel means operatively mounted to said clevis and said fluid motor along said second axis; and rigid fluid conduit means operatively connecting said fluid motor to said dual passage swivel means, and fluid conduit means operatively connecting said fluid pressure generating system to said dual passage swivel means.
 10. A hydraulic propulsion and guidance system as in claim 9, wherein said second axis about which said fluid motor rotates is positioned at an acute angle with respect to vertical and slopes downwardly towards the vessel. 